Council members voted 6-1 Wednesday to raise income taxes on nonresidents by 0.75 percent. Easton has struggled to keep up with its pension payments, and the commuter tax is allowed by the state as a way of meeting its obligations. Commuters were already paying 1 percent in income taxes.

Wanda Heitzman, a clerical technician in the criminal division, said the people in her office went three years without a raise before getting a small wage increase. Now those funds won't go as far because of the commuter tax.

"I feel for these people. They're my co-workers. This isn't right," said Heitzman, who has lived in the city for 13 years. "Taxpayers need a break."

Jay and Donna Terrio have worked in the courthouse for nearly a year since their small business won a bid to supply meals in the cafeteria. Between themselves and their son, they put in 120 hours of work in the cafeteria each week. Each of the Tatamy residents will now pay 1.75 percent in income tax.

"Why should I pay the same as an Easton resident when I have no ability to vote on who represents me on city council?" Donna Terrio asked.

With the tax now official, Cusick said the county needs to reassess its many ties to the city, such as support for the Easton Farmers Market, the Easton Ambassadors program and its willingness to cooperate in any PILOT programs.

"I think the question for council is 'Do we continue to support these other programs to the extent that we have?'" Cusick said.

Councilman Lamont McClure made similar remarks, but made a point of saying any changes should not be perceived as threats. The city and county each need to do what's in its best interest, he said.

"I think during the budget process, there will be several opportunities for the county to have a dialogue with the city of Easton," McClure said.

One of the few sympathetic figures was County Executive John Stoffa, who said the city had few other options than to go with the commuter tax. State legislators have provided no relief in the form of pension reform, he said, forcing the city's hand. The big question, he said, is what comes next.

"What will Easton do next year? They're not even close to starting to fix their problem," Stoffa said.

Lafayette College, another of the city's largest employers, has not commented publicly on the matter and declined to do so last week through spokeswoman Kris Todaro. The college has approximately 300 employees who will have to pay the commuter tax, she said.